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How do you design the garden of a house built on an old military base? If you’re Dave Billings, you don’t create flower beds – you hide a Boeing 737.

A 44-year-old from Derbyshire has already turned his lawn into a scene reminiscent of a Cold War thriller, building an underground shelter reachable through the steps of an old wartime well.

But it appears, that was merely the start.

He is now working on enlarging his subterranean system—already linked to his residence—by incorporating a complete Boeing 737 into the maze.

Dave acquired the aircraft for £4,000 following the discovery of an advertisement for it onFacebook Marketplace.

Subsequently, there was a complex process to move the aircraft from the field where it had been abandoned, hoisting it onto a truck with the assistance of friends and then driving it back to his property.

Following that was the genuine change.

He has already removed the rear part and intends to bury the plane 14 feet below ground, connecting it to his current underground shelter network.

One of the access points will be via the original aircraft door, allowing guests to enter as though they are about to board a plane — only to then go down into a secret subterranean facility.

Inside, David is resolved to maintain the Boeing’s former functionality.

I want the aircraft toilet to function like it does on a plane,” he says to the Daily Mail. “People believe it only works due to altitude, but in reality, it relies on a vacuum pump even at ground level—so I’m going to ensure this mechanism works correctly and the toilet operates as it should.

I believe that will be an excellent addition.

He also intends to install ovens that fit into the original galley-style storage compartments and preserve the genuine trim in the back area near the toilet and kitchen, ensuring that some parts of the interior still strongly resemble a passenger aircraft.

However, proceed beyond that part and the appearance changes significantly.

Dave has removed the insulation to reveal the aircraft’s ribs and inner framework, which he plans to paint in a military-style light green.

After being buried, insulation will encircle the outside of the fuselage, keeping the industrial structure visible within.

“Once you pass the restroom, it will resemble a military aircraft, with all the framework visible, giving it a very industrial appearance,” he says.

The effect is excellent because I am insulating from the outside when it is underground, so it won’t require internal insulation.

Even the arrival area is being crafted to create the greatest impression.

Dave aims to set up a corridor tunnel resembling an airport’s, attached to the plane’s side, creating the impression that visitors are walking along a boarding bridge before reaching the aircraft’s entrance.

At the other end, he intends to install an elevator—both to ensure the bunker is accessible for those who have difficulty with stairs and to move supplies underground.

While the project is mainly for enjoyment, Dave mentions that he is also constructing it to serve in a real emergency.

If the concrete is sufficiently thick, he thinks the shelter could protect against radioactive particles within a 10-mile area of an explosion, offering a safe location to stay until radiation decreases.

He intends to install bunks, storage areas, a functional kitchen, and necessary amenities to ensure it can sustain several days underground – although securing backup power remains a crucial aspect yet to be resolved.

“That’s one of the aspects I need to address for the project, but it actually includes many of the crucial elements,” he adds.

The whole initiative is supported by income generated from his online platforms –Tornado Dave on YouTube and @tornado__dave on TikTok – with Dave putting his earnings back into the construction.

Although he initially thought it could cost approximately £15,000, he acknowledges that it will probably reach around £25,000 once completed, especially since increasing support enables him to enhance parts of the project as it progresses.

Dave’s profession is in manufacturing, and he enjoys taking on challenging engineering projects as a pastime during his free time.

He wishes to finish the hidden Boeing by the end of the year.

Regarding his family, his wife is “very understanding,” he mentions — as long as he completes a few more tasks first.

In the end, the project is intended for his son.

He’s enjoying it,” Dave says. “It’s the greatest adventure he’s ever had.

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